Inflammation that is mediated by immune cells can contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. This study showed that blocking the interaction between CD40, a receptor found on immune cells, and the signalling mediator TRAF6 (TNF receptor-associated factor 6) could be a new way to target insulin resistance. Treatment of diet-induced obese mice with a small-molecule inhibitor of the CD40–TRAF6 interaction improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation in adipose tissue and decreased hepatosteatosis.
References
Chatzigeorgiou A. et al. Blocking CD40-TRAF6 signaling is a therapeutic target in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 111, 2686–2691 (2014)
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Harrison, C. Diabetic interactions broken up. Nat Rev Drug Discov 13, 258 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd4300
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd4300